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Bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, evil behavior. Wouldn’t the world be a lot better without all those things Paul listed to kick off this verse? Wouldn’t our relationships be stronger? Our day-to-day lives more peaceful? Our overall well-being better? In a dream world, none of us would react or respond to the showdowns in our lives with the things on this list. Unfortunately, we aren’t living in a dream world. As best as we might try, we’re all going to react in a way we wish we didn’t from time to time. Thankfully for us, there’s forgiveness.

God has already extended forgiveness to us for any and all wrongs we have committed or will commit in this life. Every harsh word, every bitter reaction, every angry outburst—we’re forgiven for it all. And in that forgiveness, we can find the help from God to do better. We can find the help to choose kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness, both for ourselves and others. Who in your life do you often find yourself in a showdown with? Pray for that relationship specifically this week. Ask God to remind you of the forgiveness extended to you so that you can better extend the same to that person. Ask God to help you respond to them with kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness.